DISABLED FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT A “DOG’S BREAKFAST”

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has hit out at the State Government’s decision to announce feared funding cuts for students with learning disabilities on the second last day of the school year.

Dr Sykes said a number of school principals in the Benalla Electorate had already contacted his office concerned about the timing of the decision and impact the proposed cuts will have on disadvantaged students.

He described the handling of the announcement as a “dog’s breakfast”.

While many schools are yet to be officially notified of their position, principals fear that funding for students with special needs has been dramatically cut for the 2005 school year.

“At a critical time when principals are finalising staffing levels and programs for next year, the Government’s timing in this matter is both unprofessional and totally unproductive.”

Dr Sykes said a Department of Education apology to principals for “any confusion surrounding the timing and communication of the funding” was insufficient.

“Principals across the electorate are rightly angry and concerned about the timing of the announcement and the resultant impact it will have on their ability to offer quality education programs for students who experience learning difficulties,” he said.

“We now have a situation where some principals have been unable to tell valued staff if they will have positions when school resumes in 2005. Additionally, some parents of children with special needs are unsure of their child’s educational future.”

Dr Sykes said while the Government claims funding for disability services has risen to $28 million in 2005, the need for specialist services was expanding at a rapid rate.

“After speaking to a number of principals in recent days, it is obvious that the demand for services is outstripping current funding levels.

“I call on the Minister for Education Services, Jacinta Allan, to immediately review the funding for students with disabilities and ensure no schools and students with special needs are worse off in 2005,” he said.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989